Scoop February 2026
South Shuswap Health Services, through Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre, provides a location for people to get many services locally rather than travelling to a major centre. This is not only more convenient, but it is also a safer option than travelling on the highways. We would like to highlight a couple more services that we offer that you may not be aware of. The Centre is open weekdays from noon – 4:00pm to help you. The services below use the Centre during the week to offer their services.
• Pregnancy Outreach Worker – Shuswap Family Centre – Judy Breitkreutz, office: (250) 832-2170 ext. 219, mobile:(250) 253-6862, judy_breikreutz@familyresources.bc.ca.
• IHA Immunizations – office: (250) 833-4155 mobile:(250) 515-0558 erin.taylor@interiorhealth.ca.
• Navigation and Peer Support – office (250) 675-3661 ss-healthss@gmail.com. We can assist you with: Guaranteed Income Supplement, Canada Pension Plan, Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters, BC Housing, Canadian Dental Care Plan, Fair Pharmacare, MSP Supplementary Benefits, low-cost internet and mobile services (for GIS recipients), post-
retirement benefits, Senior Supports (home support, services and referrals) and Social Programs (care planning).
• Community Integration Services – Works with Income Assistance, Persons with Disability Assistance, Community Resources, income and disability assistance, funding for urgent needs, housing supports applications. Office (236)468-3497 and at Copper Island Wellness Centre every second Thursday from 10:00 am – noon.
One-on-One Computer Training – New Horizons Grant
We offer one-on-one computer training. This service is offered free of charge thanks to the New Horizons Grant, and instruction takes place locally. Please email sshssprograms@gmail.com to learn more or book a session. Be sure to include your phone number and what area you need assistance with and Eric will contact you.
Seniors Lunch Program-United Way Grant Our Seniors Lunch Program offers active and educational sessions. Each session is approximately one hour followed by free lunch and time to socialize. This is a great opportunity to meet people, learn about available services and personal wellness. If you would like to join our mailing list to receive updates about the lunch program, please email your request and contact information to sshssprograms@gmail.com.
In January we did sessions on Advance Care Planning, Salsa Dance and Fitness (to support balance and agility). The sessions are about one hour long, change monthly and are followed by lunch. This program is funded by the BC United Way so there is no charge to you. We would like to thank community businesses for their incredible support of our program. Frankies Pizza provided lunch for one session and it was truly enjoyed by our participants. Zandunga Tacos and More provided an authentic Mexican meal along with a Salsa Lesson that was a great experience for all. Sorrento Centre provides us with a location to hold many of our sessions. Finally, we would like to thank Village Grocer for assisting a wide variety of catering. We highly recommend supporting these local businesses as they provide great services and really support our local community.
This program provides an excellent opportunity to socialize with members of our community.
Scoop January 2026
South Shuswap Health Services hopes you had a terrific holiday season and a great start to the New Year! The holidays tend to be a very busy time with a lot of opportunities for spending time with family and friends. As we enter into the winter months it seems the opportunities for socialization tend to decrease.
Humans need socializing because it’s fundamental for our mental and physical health, boosting happiness, reducing stress, sharpening cognitive function, and even contributing to a longer life, with studies suggesting 1-3 hours daily or weekly interaction prevents loneliness and improves well-being by creating a sense of belonging, support, and purpose. Social connection provides emotional support, encourages healthier choices, strengthens the immune system, and protects against depression and cognitive decline like dementia, though solitude is also needed for recharge.
Key Benefits of Socializing
Mental & Emotional Health: Reduces anxiety, depression, and stress; boosts mood, self-esteem, and sense of purpose; provides emotional support during tough times.
Cognitive Health: Stimulates the brain, sharpens memory, improves cognitive skills, and lowers the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Physical Health: Linked to longer life, better sleep, healthier eating, and increased physical activity.
Sense of Belonging: Fosters security, trust, and resilience within communities.
How Much Socializing is Needed?
Research suggests around 1-3 hours of social interaction daily (7-21 hours per week) helps avoid loneliness and maximize benefits, though individual needs vary.
Quality matters: Meaningful connections are key.
Solitude is also important for regaining energy, so balance is crucial.
Ways to Socialize
• Reach out to family and friends (calls, visits).
• Join hobby, exercise, or community groups.
• Connect with neighbours.
• Use technology for connection if needed.
Programs and Services at Copper Island Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre offers many programs and services at the Centre. We have a staff member, Alysha, available at Cooper Island Health and Wellness Centre on weekday afternoons from noon – 4:00 p.m. Please take advantage of her knowledge and expertise in helping you find various services and activities that will add to your quality of life. She can highlight local programs, help you complete various forms, and assist you in finding Federal, Provincial or private services that may be of use to you.
For information, call 250-675-366, email sshealthss@gmail.com or drop into the Centre.
Counselling Services
As a reminder, Shuswap Clinical Counselling Centre and the South Shuswap Health Services Society (SSHSS) have partnered up to provide Counselling Services at the
Copper Island Health & Wellness Centre!
We have updated the link to book your appointments online. Please book online here: https://tinyurl.com/ybpv7cry. Alternatively, clients can still contact Shuswap Clinical Counselling by phone at 778-489-5630 or email info@shuswapcounselling.ca to discuss their options.
One-on-One Computer Training – New Horizons Grant
We offer one-on-one computer training. This service is offered free of charge thanks to the New Horizons Grant, and instruction takes place locally. Please email sshssprograms@gmail.com to learn more or book a session. Be sure to include your phone number and what area you need assistance with and Eric will contact you.
Seniors Lunch Program – United Way Grant
Our Seniors Lunch Program offers active and educational sessions. Each session is approximately one hour followed by free lunch and time to socialize. This is a great
opportunity to meet people, learn about available services and personal wellness. If you would like to join our mailing list to receive updates about the lunch program, please email your request and contact information to sshssprograms@gmail.com. This program provides an excellent opportunity to socialize with members of our community.
Scoop December 2025
South Shuswap Health Services Board and Volunteers wish to extend a Very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2026! Much has been accomplished in 2025, and we look forward to the new year. Please contact Alysha at 250-675-3661 sshealthss@gmail.com, if you wish to know more about the programs offered or if you wish to volunteer.
The Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday, November 22nd. Highlights included increased usage of SSHSS services, and positive feedback from the community. We wish to congratulate and welcome the new board: Dena Short, Sandi Reutlinger, Dawn Miles, Kristine O’Connor, Brenda McCormick, Jennifer Parsons, Linda Martens, and Taylor McLean Morin. Sue McCrae and Mary Johnston retired from the Board this year.
Sue was one of the founding members and was instrumental in the creation of the South Shuswap Health Services Society in 2013. A great team of volunteers stepped up to help “Bring Health Care Closer to Home” and support “Seniors Helping Seniors.” The Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre opened in 2016 when lab services were added. Sue’s dedication to the community and her strong focus on wellness have been greatly appreciated. Thank you, Sue and Mary for your hard work, vision, and leadership!
Another key supporter of the Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre has been Shuswap Lake Estates, which partnered with the society in 2016 to renovate the Centre.
SSHSS will continue to work with communities in the South Shuswap to offer a variety of programs to help seniors “Age in Place.“
We would like to thank everyone who attended our “Winter is Coming Dance.” It was a fantastic evening! The Serious Dogs did an excellent job keeping everyone on their feet and dancing all night. The proceeds will help support the Copper Island Health and Wellness Centre. Watch for details about our upcoming Spring Event and Fundraiser!
Programs and Services at Copper Island
Copper Island offers many programs and services at the Centre. For information, call 250-675-3661 or email sshealthss@gmail.com. Programs include mental health support, yoga, walking groups, introductory exercise classes for seniors, foot care, and lab services. We also provide support to seniors who need help accessing online services, government programs, housing support, health resources, and other assistance to help them AGE IN PLACE. We welcome Lisa-Marie Young, registered Clinical Counsellor, to the Centre every Monday (lisamarie@shuswapcounselling.ca). If you have questions, need assistance, or have suggestions, we’re here to help!
One-on-One Computer Training
New Horizons Grant We offer one-on-one computer training. This service is offered free of charge thanks to the New Horizons Grant, instruction takes place locally. Please email sshssprograms@ mail.com to learn more or register also include your phone number and what area you need assistance with. Eric will contact you.
Seniors Lunch Program United Way Grant
Our Seniors Lunch Program will continue to offer active or educational sessions. Each session is approximately one hour followed by free lunch and time to socialize. This is a great opportunity to meet people, learn about available services and personal wellness. If you would like to join our mailing list to receive updates about the lunch program, please email your request and contact information to sshssprograms@gmail.com.